Does your vision feel scratchy and dry by the end of the day, especially when you’re wearing your contact lenses? You are not alone! Millions of people experience dry eye symptoms, and finding the right eye drops to soothe that irritation while keeping your contacts comfortable can feel like a treasure hunt.
Choosing the wrong drops can make things worse. Some ingredients might cloud your lenses or simply not work for your specific needs. It’s frustrating when you just want clear, comfortable vision, but the shelf is packed with confusing labels and big promises. You need a solution that truly works with your contacts, not against them.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what ingredients to look for, which types of drops are safe for contact lens wearers, and how to pick the best bottle for your eyes. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which eye drops will bring you lasting relief.
Ready to say goodbye to that gritty feeling? Let’s dive into the best eye drops for dry eyes and contacts.
Top Eye Drops For Dry Eyes And Contacts Recommendations
- Relief with Every Blink: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops moisturize dry contact lenses to provide long-lasting comfort. These drops work with the eye's natural tears to help keep your contact lenses feeling fresh and comfortable all day
- Hydration Boost with Hyaluronate: Our moisturizing eye drops instantly moisturize dry lenses. Our unique hyaluronate formulate works as a hydration booster to help contacts stay refreshed and comfortable through end of day
- Comfort till End of Day: Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with beneficial electrolytes similar to those found in natural tears. Enjoy the freedom to wear your soft or RGP lenses while experiencing long-lasting comfort
- Moisturizes Dry Lenses: The Blink Contacts Lubricating Eye Drops rewet and moisturize lenses before insertion and during wear, moisturizing and refreshing lenses. They reduce the feeling of contact lens dryness to help maintain comfort to the end of the day and reduce discomfort that may lead to removing your lenses early
- Original strength formula
- Relieves mild symptoms of eye dryness due to contact lens wear
- Instantly moisturizes and lubricates
- You may keep your contacts in upon application
- Innovative formula specially designed for contact lens wearers
- Relieves mild to moderate symptoms of eye dryness, irritation, and discomfort associated with contact lens wear
- Hydrocell technology enables hydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye's surface
- You may keep your contacts in upon application
- NATURALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan), Antioxidant (Protects HA from free radicals), and Electrolyte.
- LASTING MOISTURE: For up to 8 hours of moisture (based on a laboratory study) and to help prevent deposit buildup.
- REWETTING DROPS FOR CONTACT LENSES: Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts are the first preservative free multi-dose contact lens drops.
- BIOTRUE CONTACT LENS DROPS: Not only are Biotrue Hydration Boost for Contacts free of preservatives but they are also pH balanced for comfort.
- NATURALLY INSPIRED INGREDIENTS: Biotrue Hydration Boost Eye Drops are enhanced with HA (Hyaluronan), Antioxidant, and Electrolyte and provide instant moisture for dry eyes.
- INSTANT MOISTURE: For dry, irritated eyes due to screen and environmental stressors.
- Special preservative free, multi-dose bottle.
- BIOTRUE EYE DROPS: Not only are the Hydration Boost Eye Drops free of preservatives but they are also pH balanced for comfort.
- iVIZIA Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops for Dry Eyes, Preservative-Free, Moisturizing, Dry Eye Relief, Contact Lens Friendly, 0.33 fl oz bottle.
- Free of Irritating Preservatives: Sterile, safe for use with contact lenses
- Patented ABAK Bottle: preservative-free, dispenses drop-by-drop, and does not stream. The ergonomic bottle is easy to open, easy to hold and squeeze.
- iVIZIA – We See a Better Way: for healthy, comfortable eyes
- Relief with every Blink: Experience extended dry eye symptom relief with Blink Triple Care Lubricating Eye Drops. This 3-in-1 formula instantly soothes, gives extra long-lasting hydration, and seals in moisture.
- Dry Eye Lubricant: Discover what makes Blink Triple Care Lubricating Eye Drops different from other eye drops. Our drops for dry eyes have a dual-action moisture seal to lock in moisture for instant, long-lasting relief. The secret to our drops is a water-based formula enhanced with natural oil, which helps keep tears from evaporating too quickly
- Long-Lasting Hydration: Blink Triple Care Lubricating Eye Drops are formulated with hyaluronate - also found in your eyes - to boost hydration. Hydrate like your tears for extra long-lasting comfort
- Reduce Everyday Discomfort: These dops for dry eyes deliver extended relief for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms
Choosing the Best Eye Drops for Dry Eyes and Contacts: Your Buying Guide
Wearing contact lenses can sometimes make your eyes feel dry and scratchy. That’s where special eye drops come in handy! These drops add moisture back to your eyes, making them feel comfortable all day long. This guide helps you pick the right bottle for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for drops that clearly state they are safe for contact lens wearers. Not all drops are made the same!
- Contact Lens Compatibility: This is the most important feature. Make sure the label says “For use with contacts” or “Rewetting Drops.” Some drops can damage your lenses.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Check reviews or descriptions to see how long the moisture lasts. If you need drops only a few times a day, look for longer-lasting formulas.
- Preservative-Free Options: Preservatives keep the drops fresh, but they can sometimes irritate sensitive eyes, especially if you use drops often. Preservative-free drops often come in small, single-use vials.
- Fast-Acting Formula: You want drops that start working quickly when your eyes feel dry.
Important Ingredients (What’s Inside Matters)
The ingredients tell you how the drops will work. Think of these ingredients as the helpers that bring moisture back to your eyes.
Common Moisturizing Agents:
- Hyaluronate (or Sodium Hyaluronate): This is a superstar ingredient. It holds onto water very well, giving you extended relief.
- Glycerin or Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): These ingredients act like a soothing blanket, lubricating the surface of your eye.
Ingredients That Can Reduce Quality (Use with Caution):
Some drops contain ingredients that might not be ideal for daily use with contacts:
- Tetrahydrozoline or Naphazoline (Redness Relievers): Avoid these! They make your eyes look white, but they actually dry out your eyes more over time. They are not meant for contact lens wearers.
- Strong Preservatives (like Benzalkonium Chloride – BAK): If you use drops more than four times a day, these preservatives can build up and cause more irritation.
User Experience and When to Use Them
How you use the drops affects how well they work. Think about your daily routine.
Use Cases:
- Before Insertion: A drop or two on the lens before putting it in can make the initial fit much smoother.
- Mid-Day Dryness: If your eyes feel gritty around lunchtime from screen time, use the drops right then.
- End of Day Comfort: Use them before you take your contacts out to make removal easier and reduce overnight dryness.
Tip: If you stare at a computer or phone a lot, your blink rate drops, which dries your eyes. Keep drops nearby for quick relief during these times.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dry Eye Drops for Contacts
Q: Can I use any brand of eye drops with my contacts?
A: No. You must use drops specifically labeled as safe for use with contact lenses. Other drops can leave residue on your lenses.
Q: What is the difference between rewetting drops and artificial tears?
A: Rewetting drops are made specifically to be used while lenses are in your eyes. Artificial tears might be okay, but always check the label to ensure they are safe for contacts.
Q: How often should I use these drops?
A: Use them whenever your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable. If you need them constantly, switch to a preservative-free option.
Q: Do preservative-free drops cost more?
A: Yes, preservative-free drops often come in single-use vials, which usually cost a bit more than large bottles with preservatives.
Q: Will these drops remove protein buildup from my lenses?
A: No. These drops add moisture. You still need your regular lens cleaning solution to remove protein and debris.
Q: Can I use these drops if my eyes are red?
A: If the redness is from simple dryness, yes. If you have an infection or severe irritation, stop using the drops and see your eye doctor.
Q: Should I take my contacts out before using the drops?
A: Drops labeled for contacts are safe to use while wearing them. You only need to remove them if the product instructions tell you to.
Q: How long do the drops stay good after opening?
A: Most multi-use bottles last about 30 days after opening. Write the opening date on the bottle. Single-use vials must be thrown away immediately after use.
Q: What happens if I use drops not meant for contacts?
A: The ingredients might stick to your lenses, making your vision blurry or causing irritation and damage to the contact lens material.
Q: Are thicker drops better for severe dryness?
A: Thicker gels or ointments provide longer relief but can sometimes temporarily blur vision. They are often best used right before bed, not usually while wearing lenses during the day.
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